Tuesday, 16 July 2013

The Saint Patrick’s Battalion Pipe Band from Mexico City is the only pipe band in Mexico and one of very few pipe bands in South America.

On 9th. August the band will join forces with All Ireland and World Pipe Band Champions , New Ross and District Pipe Band, to perform in concert in St. Michael’s Theatre, New Ross.

The Celtic Weave concept brings together the traditional pipe band with other genres of music and other musical instruments for what is an attractive and exciting blend. The bands will be joined on stage by folk group ‘Ogham’ from Mexico and anumber of guest musicians , singers, and dancers and a great night of entertainment is promised. The New Ross Pipe Band have been packing audiences into their Celtic Weave concerts for the past 13 yearsand this year promises to be the best show yet with the added spice of Mexican music.

All proceeds from the concert will go towards defraying the costs of the Saint Patrick’s Battalion Pipe Band visit to Ireland. It is hoped that the community of the South East will support this concert and will give the San Patricios arousing welcome home.

During
the Great Famine in Ireland 1845-48 , millions of destitute people left Ireland
for America . Unfortunately, not all lived to share in the American dream. Life
was particularly difficult in the American army for young Irishmen who were
often despised and mistreated bya
very conservative and oftenbigoted officer corps. When the Americans went to war with Mexico over
the territories of Texas and California , many young Irishmen questioned why
they had come from a poor Catholic country to kill poor Mexican Catholics. Over
150 young Irishmen deserted to the Mexican side and fought with the poor people
of Mexico against what is now recognised as American 19th. Century Imperialism.
They formed the Saint Patrick’s Battalion of the Mexican army and fought with
great valour for a lost cause. When Mexico lost the war, many of the Irish were
hanged en masse by the American army as traitors and deserters. Many of the
surviving members of the regiment settled in Northern Mexico where their
descendants live to this day.

The story of the San Patricios has always
been a huge story in the history of Mexico , a little known story in the
history of Ireland and a ‘would rather forget’ story in the history of America.
However, an impressive monument
stands proud in Mexico City ; Paddy Moloney and the Chieftains have recorded a
beautiful album entitled the ‘San Patricios’ ; a book has been written about
the regiment ; a film has been made about the regiment; and in August , the
only pipe band in Mexico (which
has been named to honour the San Patricios ) is coming to New Ross for five
days. For one week in August , the town of New Ross will be the St. Patrick’s
Battalion Pipe Band’s home.